Light is slowly being shed on the reasons behind Barcelona president Joan Laporta’s decision to sack Xavi, and it is clear that the misalignment of ideologies between the management and the board was the primary cause. Xavi wished to phase out several players from the current team in June, one of whom notably was Robert Lewandowski. In a recent report, …

With the four youngest players in the Spain Euro 2024 squad coming from Barcelona, there is a clear indication of development in the team. Granted, Spain does not have the youngest group based on the current ages of its provisional squad. For reference, the average age of Luis de la Fuente’s crop is 26.7 years old. England has a 33-man …

May 28 – UEFA has announced that AXA will join the Women’s EURO 2025 partnership roster as an official global partner as the tournament gears up for kick-off next summer. Already a major supporter of women’s football in Switzerland, serving as the title sponsor of the Swiss women’s national league and the women’s cup, the company has expanded its football …

This article was originally published on Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, a subscription service. If you would like to receive Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive transfer news via email ahead of publication on caughtoffside.com, please sign-up for the service here: thedailybriefing.io Enzo Maresca will be the new Chelsea manager – unless something crazy happens in the next 48 hours. It will be a ‘here we …

Arsenal are reportedly in advanced talks with their manager Mikel Arteta over a new long-term contract as the Spaniard continues to impress at the Emirates Stadium.  The North London club appointed the former Man City assistant coach back in 2019 and it was a move seen as a big risk by many pundits and fans. The Spanish coach put any doubts …

Juventus is accelerating plans to improve their squad in this transfer window as Euro 2024 fast approaches. When the competition ends, pre-season will begin almost immediately, so some clubs believe now is the time to sign the players they need. Juve is working on a move for Thiago Motta to become their next manager, and they have also reportedly reached …

AC Milan are interested in signing Emerson Royal from Tottenham Hotspur this summer, according to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio. The Rossoneri have already held preliminary talks with the representatives of the 25-year-old wing-back as they plan to revitalize their squad ahead of 2024/25. They have already said goodbye to head coach Stefano Pioli, striker Olivier Giroud, and defender Simon …

May 28 – Following a dramatic last day of the season and a late ruled-out goal by crosstown rivals Cercle Brugge in a 0-0 draw, Club Brugge won the Belgian league for the 19th time, pipping rivals Union and Anderlecht to the title.  Brugge’s coronation was a great role reversal after the club had finished third in the regular season, …

It is only a matter of time before Barcelona unveil Hansi Flick as their new manager. The German tactician is set to replace Xavi Hernandez and is expected to soon get things underway, as far as the squad planning is concerned. Flick, offering a very different set of ideas compared to what one would expect from a Barcelona coach, is …

Vincenzo Italiano hopes Fiorentina can channel the pain of defeat to West Ham 12 months ago into UEFA Europa Conference League glory against Olympiacos. La Viola came from behind in the 2022/23 final to level against the Londoners before Jarrod Bowen’s 90th-minute winner broke Fiorentina hearts. The Florence side have lost four of their five European finals, only winning the …